License Plates & Placards

Choose Your State

Click on your state for information about license plates, including how to apply for, renew, and replace tags, as well as the cost of license plates at your state's DMV. Find information about license plate transfers and surrenders after selling a car.

Find information about standard license plates, including how to apply for plates, renew license plates, and transfer tags. You can also find the cost of license plates and other relevant information on these pages.

All states require motor vehicles to have license plates issued by the state's DMV which will be issued when you register your vehicle. Each state also requires license plates be renewed periodically. The length of time your plate is valid varies from state to state.

Lost, stolen, or damaged license plates can be replaced in every state, and often tags can be transferred to another vehicle or owner. Your state's license plate page provides information about replacing and transferring tags.

Where available, you'll find links to forms and other essential documents, as well as fees and instructions for completing license plate transactions. You'll also find contact information for your state's DMV and helpful information to make getting your license plate as smooth as possible.